Tasks for a surgical technician might include readying patients for surgery, preparing operating rooms for surgery, sterilizing and stocking surgery equipment and supplies, tallying supplies, handing instruments to surgeons during operations, and maintaining a sterile environment.

Wyoming Surgical Technologist Schools

Most surgical technologists hold some type of postsecondary award, whether it's an associate degree or a certification from an accredited program. Below is a school that offers surgical technology programs in the state of Wyoming:

  • Laramie County Community College: Offering 68 credit programs and concentrations leading to associate degrees, Laramie County Community College was established in 1968 and employs over 350 full-time staff members in addition to enrolling over 3,500 students. It is also the only higher learning institution that offers a surgical technician/technologist program in the state.

What to Expect from Wyoming Surgical Technician Programs

Most Wyoming surgical tech programs will probably provide a combination of general skills building and technical knowledge coursework, and may also require a set amount of in-field education. You can expect the program to take anywhere from several months to two years to fully complete. Coursework will likely vary from program to program, but several basic skills will almost certainly be a focus, including:

  • Physical stamina
  • Stress-management skills
  • Integrity
  • Being detail-oriented
  • Dexterity

In terms of technical knowledge coursework, surgical technology education will most likely involve biology, medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology courses, among other topics. Specific training in preventing and controlling infections if they were to occur, ensuring the care and safety of patients, ways to sterilize equipment, as well as preparing technical or robotic equipment may also be involved.

Wyoming Surgical Technician Certification

Certification for a surgical technologist is not mandatory in the state of Wyoming. It is, however, mandatory in the states of Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. As it can demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the diverse job responsibilities involved in this career, employers may be more likely to employ applicants with any additional certification.

When it comes to national certification, surgical technicians have a few different options. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting grants the "Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)" title. It involves completing an accredited program as well as passing an exam.

Surgical technicians may also seek certification through the National Center for Competency Testing which offers the "Tech in Surgery - Certified (NCCT)" certification. Prospective surgical techs may decide this certification path is more appealing, as it does not require completing an accredited formal education program. Applicants can qualify instead through work experience and military training, as well as other paths. It does, however, require passing an exam and testing essential skills.

In order to maintain certification for both the NCCT as well as the CST titles, surgical techs must complete regular continuing education goals or their title will be revoked.

Prospective surgical technicians may also want to seek certification in CPR, basic life support, or both as many jobs require those in the position to be certified in these areas.

Resources for Surgical Technicians in Wyoming

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Sources:

  1. Surgical Technologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-17 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm accessed October 19, 2016

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